Xbox 720 to double-up as a DVR

The Xbox 720 rumour mill has picked up again this year after patents surfaced which suggest Microsoft's next console may also operate as a digital video recorder, fusing telly, film and gaming into a single entertainment hub.

"A digital video recorder (DVR) application running alongside a television client component allows users to record media content on the gaming console. The DVR application also integrates itself with the console menu.

"Once integrated, users can record media content while playing games. Alternatively, users can record content when the gaming console is turned off. The recorded content can include television programming, gaming experience (whether local or online), music, DVDs, and so on. When in the recording state, users can also switch between various other media modes, whether gaming, television, and so on."

Looking forward

With the latest Xbox 360 dashboard update, gamers already have access to a host of streaming media through various apps. If the proposal in the patent goes ahead, it could potentially put off content providers, who might be unhappy about their programmes being recorded to a hard drive.

Either way, the concept may boost Microsoft's push for living room domination as it gears up to launch its nextbox 720, which if other rumours are to be believed, could potentially be on show at E3 next year.